Looking for social opportunities in and around Banyule? We’ve put together a list of places where you can start, covering a huge range of interests such as sport, outdoor activities, gaming and art!
Please note that these are not Council endorsed services – we recommend reaching out to these services first to ensure they meet your needs.
Social sports
You can find a comprehensive list of social sporting opportunities here
https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Events-activities/Sporting-clubs-and-grounds#section-15
Ivanhoe Photographic Society (Heidelberg / Bellfield)
A photography club welcoming beginners and young creatives We meet in-person on the third Monday of each month at Bellfield Community Hub from February to December inclusive, starting at 7.30pm.
Website: FAQ — IVANHOE PHOTOGRAPHIC
Scouting Groups (Ivanhoe & Bundoora)
Weekly meet‑ups focused on outdoor activities, teamwork, leadership and fun.
Ivanhoe: https://www.10thivanhoe.com/new-members/new-youth-members
Bundoora: https://bundoorascouts.org/
Olympic Neighbourhood House (West Heidelberg)
Community‑run neighbourhood house offering social groups, life skills, creative programs and volunteering
Diamond Valley Gem Club
The club fosters the interests of all people who are interested in the collecting, cutting and polishing gemstones, lapidary work, in addition with all associated arts, crafts and activities.
Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries
Our library is a place that is open, accessible, inclusive and free to all residents of Victoria. We provide the space and resources to help entertain, inform and delight you. Our branches can be found across the local government areas of Banyule. If you’re looking for a space to study, catch up with a friend, or just need to stay out of the weather for a few hours, we’re here for that too.
Friends Of group
Volunteer groups assist with tree plantings, wildlife surveys and ongoing weed management. Most groups hold working bees over a couple of hours, 1 weekend each month, all tools provided, often with tea and coffee to follow.
Northern Star Chess Club
The NSC Junior Chess Club program provides a pathway for Primary and Secondary school chess players to transition beyond school chess. The program focuses on chess improvement at the student’s level, in a fun and engaging environment.
Ivanhoe Community Craft Group
A welcoming community craft group led by a volunteer facilitator. Bring your own craft project, or work on one of ours. We’re currently working on decorating our main hallway with an embellished mural – paint, collage, crochet. Plenty of opportunity to share ideas, skills, and inspiration.
https://www.livingstone.org.au/all-classes/1046753-community-craft-group
Bridge Darebin
Bridge Darebin is an innovative, not-for-profit organisation, neighbourhood house and certified social enterprise based in Preston and Thornbury. We break down barriers to education, employment and community participation so everyone can thrive.
Nillumbik Youth Hub
Nillumbik Youth Hub is a fun, inclusive and safe space for young people aged 12-25 who live, play, study or work in Nillumbik. The Hub is a space where young people can engage in social, recreational or supportive programs that are fully supervised by the Nillumbik Youth team.
https://www.nillumbikyouth.vic.gov.au/About-us/Nillumbik-Youth-Hub
Greenhills Neighbourhood House
Greenhills Neighbourhood House (Greensborough) is your local non-profit Community House run by a voluntary Committee of Management. The House provides you with access to advice, information, support, childcare facilities, a meeting place or an opportunity to attend a course or workshop in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Rosanna Fire Station Community House
To connect people in our local community by providing opportunities for those who participate, including disadvantaged individuals, to learn, teach, reduce social isolation by making friends & give mutual support in an ethnically diverse, comfortable, accepting, co-operative, welcoming, friendly & informal environment.
a/Site to belong Launch
Co-created with young adults aged 18-25 and a lived experience advisory group, this is a shared space to share stories thoriugh videos, photo, art, poems and wrting. Built to grow connection and belonging
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebrate-the-launch-of-asite-to-belong-tickets-1983736614615
Watsonia Neighbourhood House
Watsonia Neighbourhood House brings people together to connect, learn and contribute in their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities, using a community development approach.
Oxygen Youth Space
Oxygen Youth Space is located at 4/8 Gaffney St, Coburg VIC 3058 (next to the Coburg Lake), and is a fun, safe, inclusive, and free space designed to be used by young people aged from 12 to 24.
https://www.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/living-in-merri-bek/community-services/youth/oxygen-youth-space/